Business & Tech
The Artisan Guild Presents a Gallery of Treasures
High art in downtown Woodbridge draws the crowds
If you like original works of art and handcrafted gifts, you don't need to go far. At 534 Main Street, the Woodbridge Artisan Guild has set up shop and turned their gallery into a Holiday Gift Store.
According to Glenn Murgacz, president of the guild, a gallery was originally started in May, 2009 on Fulton Street, but they asked the landlord if they could move to the Main Street building to gain more visibility. The guild loves the centrally located storefront, but the greater foot traffic comes at a price: namely, the higher rent which is burdensome for an art gallery.
The guild is hoping to ramp up some corporate support, among other donations, so they can call their Main St. digs home permanently.
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The gallery and gift shop has original creations that include floral arrangements, sculptures, jewelry, scarves, pictures, among other items. Each artist's wares have a distinctive style. Glenn Murgacz, Lois Griffin, Dawn Arena, and Michele Mastrangelo were all on hand during a recent visit.
Arena is an organic artist and works with natural elements. She had several small items on display and for sale at the shop. She also has a "sculpture" made from a 1940's dress form and other found objects on display at the Greenable Museum in Woodbridge Center. Griffin has jewelry, scarves, and fiber art quilts for sale. She also serves as president of the NJ State Quilters Guild. Mastroangelo, who joined the guild in July, does floral arrangements and acrylic painting.
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Murgacz was a scientist for 30 years before becoming guild president. He's always been interested in the arts; his particular speciality is sculptures made of recycled and non-recycled metal. Murgacz has started a ten-town sculpture project to put a large metal sculpture in each section of Woodbridge Township.
Whether you just go down to browse or decide to purchase something, the gallery and gift shop is worth the trip. The sale lasts through January 8; hour are Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00 pm to 2 pm; Wednesday, 6 pm to 9 pm; and Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm.
